FAQs

What is the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)?

The CFC is the official workplace giving campaign of the Federal government. The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing Federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all. The CFC is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with 36 CFC zones throughout the country and overseas raising millions of dollars each year. Since the campaign's inception in 1961, generous Federal employees have donated more than $8.2 billion through the CFC. Pledges made by Federal civilian, postal, and military donors during the campaign season support eligible nonprofit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.

How can a Federal employee make a pledge through the campaign?

Federal employees can make a pledge online via the centralized giving platform. Donors can choose a payroll deduction or a one-time or recurring monthly pledge via a credit card, debit card, or direct bank transfer. For the next five years, donors also have the option of completing a paper pledge card and submitting it to the Central Campaign Administrator (CCA) using the address provided on the pledge form or by giving the completed form to their Keyworker. Paper pledge donors can give via payroll deducation or check. For the first time, Federal employees are also invited to broaden the impact of their gift by pledging volunteer hours to participating charities in addition to monetary donations.

Can Federal retirees participate in the CFC?

Federal retirees are invited to continue to support the charitable causes they care about by giving through the CFC with a one-time contribution (i.e., cash, check, or credit card).

Do I have to choose a charity or can I leave my pledge undesignated?

Undesignated contributions are not longer permitted under new CFC regulations. Please designate your pledge to the specific CFC charity or charities of your choice.

Can I give cash?

No, donating with cash is no longer permitted.

What is the minimum contribution?

Federal employees who choose payroll giving must pledge at least $1 per pay period. The minimum credit card contribution is $10. The maximum donation amount for those pledging online via the centralized giving platform is $9,999.

What if I do not want my co-workers to know how much I gave or which charities I chose?

When you give online, your charities and donation amount will be confidential. If you prefer to make a paper pledge, give your pledge form to your Campaign Manager in a sealed envelope marked “confidential.” Your pledge will not be opened or processed until it reaches the CFC Processing Center.

Can I donate to more than one charity?

Yes. Donors may support as many charitable organizations as they would like in one single pledge. You may choose how funds are allocated to each charity.

If giving by check, to whom should the be made out?

Combined Federal Campaign.

How do I choose a charity to support?

The charity search function on the centralized giving portal can help you find the right charity for you. Search for causes that interest you and get a list of charities that support that cause, then make your donation online or by filling out a paper pledge form.

How do charities become part of the CFC?

Charities must apply to be part of the CFC. Each charity must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, submit an IRS Form 990, describe its human health and welfare benefits, and meet other requirements. Application information can be found at https://cfccharities.opm.gov.

How much does the CFC actually benefit charities?

Charities truly love the CFC. It provides a critical source of revenue and an inexpensive way to attract new donors. Charities require diverse streams of income, including foundations, corporations, direct mail, special events, and the CFC. CFC donations are especially treasured because they are unrestricted funds, allowing nonprofit organizations to effectively respond to community needs. Equally important, CFC donations provide charities with a source of funding throughout the year.

How much money goes to administrative overhead instead of to the charities?

All fundraising has some administrative overhead. However, new CFC regulations and procedures have been designed to reduce the already low administrative rate of the campaign. In 2016, the CFCNCA had an expense ratio of 9 percent. That’s a fraction of the 35 percent deemed acceptable by the Better Business Bureau.